All posts by z3u9t.icu

Sunderland would have been relieved to have picked up a win away at West Bromwich Albion this weekend, with young star Pierre Ekwah the goalscoring hero on the day in the slim 1-0 victory.

The Black Cats were definitely helped by the hosts being reduced to ten men, but it would have been an encouraging Championship scalp all the same for Mike Dodds' side beating Carlos Corberan's playoff-chasing team on their own turf.

The aforementioned Ekwah stood out in the narrow win in the West Midlands alongside other raw stars such as Jobe Bellingham and Chris Rigg, further highlighting the deal to bring the former West Ham United youngster into the building last year as a golden one.

Pierre Ekwah's time at Sunderland

Ekwah arrived on the scene at the Stadium of Light in 2023 as a relative unknown entity in the men's game, having only tasted youth football with the Hammers before his major move up to Wearside.

Yet, the French midfielder has never looked back since walking in through the door and has gone on to become an important part of the Black Cats team this season even when times have been tough.

Ekwah's sweetly hit half-volley at the Hawthorns was his fifth goal in the league from 37 appearances, picking up two assists alongside his growing collection of strikes.

But, it was his work away from bagging the decisive winner that would have impressed those with Sunderland connections watching on even more – coming away from the tight contest with four duels won, on top of misplacing just five of his 34 passes on the day.

Labelled as "outstanding" by football journalist Josh Bunting when first beginning to make waves for the Black Cats last year, the Wearside outfit know it will take a hefty offer to tempt the topsy-turvy Championship club into selling him when you consider Ekwah's transfer worth is now higher than midfield comrade Dan Neil's.

Pierre Ekwah's transfer value in 2024

Ekwah has been touted for a move away to the likes of Crystal Palace and Fulham in the Premier League in the past, but it would take a big bid from those higher-up clubs to prise away Sunderland's star asset when looking at his transfer value now.

According to Football Transfers, Ekwah's worth now comes in at €5.8m (£4.9m) which means he is actually worth nearly a million more than Neil who has a price of €4.7m (£4m).

That is the case despite Neil being an established first-team presence at the Stadium of Light, making 42 appearances this season in the league all whilst being the same age as Ekwah at 22.

Ekwah also boasts a higher worth than another relied upon first-team face in Daniel Ballard, the former Arsenal man coming in with a lesser £4.3m worth next to his name despite starring against the Baggies in similar fashion to the central midfielder with eight duels bravely won.

1. Anthony Patterson

€12.9m (£11m)

2. Jack Clarke

€9m (£7.6m)

3. Jobe Bellingham

€6.5m (£5.5m)

4. Adil Aouchiche

€6.4m (£5.4m)

5. Pierre Ekwah

€5.8m (£4.9m)

Sunderland will just pray that Ekwah isn't taken aback by interest from the league above if those parties do end up bidding in the summer, eager to keep him around for a promotion push next season after a less-than-ideal campaign this time round.

If he does end up departing, Sunderland can at least take some solace in the fact they should be able to get a sizeable amount of money for Ekwah after taking a worthwhile punt on the once-unproven youngster.

Market Movers

Football FanCast's Market Movers series explores the changing landscape of the modern transfer market. How much is your club's star player or biggest flop worth today?

Since the Sir Alex Ferguson era, every manager of Manchester United has failed to return the club to its glory days.

Unfortunately, it seems that Erik ten Hag will be the next boss to face the sack, having coached the Red Devils to a current seventh-place position in the Premier League with a goal difference of -1.

Although it’s been reported that the Dutchman won’t part ways with the club until the end of the season, Sir Jim Ratcliffe will likely start his rebuild with a new boss at the helm.

But who are the options? Well, one is particularly eye-catching having proven himself to be a serial winner.

Ratcliffe has drawn up a manager list for Man United

According to a claim from Ben Jacobs via GiveMeSport, Zinedine Zidane could feature on Man Utd's manager list this summer.

Jacobs said: "Zinedine Zidane will almost certainly be on the succession planning list. Being on the succession planning list doesn't necessarily mean you'll get any contact or get offered the job. It just means that you're part of a collection of names that are there to explore. Then, if a change is made, that list will be whittled down.”

This was confirmed following a report from French outlet L’Equipe via GiveMeSport, who mentioned that the former Real Madrid boss would favour a move to Old Trafford over Bayern Munich.

Zidane is reportedly keeping an eye on the current situation at the Red Devils, as well as the circumstances at Bayern.

Zidane’s managerial career so far

Being widely regarded as one of the best players of all time is such a prestigious honour in itself, but to also go on to become an elite manager is a feat very few achieve.

Zidane started his career in the coaching department as an assistant manager for Real Madrid back in 2013, but just a year later, he took on the role as Real Madrid Castilla boss.

However, it wasn’t until January 2016 that he really developed as a coach, becoming the boss of Madrid and boasting one of the most impressive records around.

Over 149 matches, Zidane’s Madrid won an unbelievable 105 matches, losing just 16 times, while also winning three consecutive Champions League titles from 2015/16 to 2017/18, which proves he’s a master of the competition.

Champions League

3

World's Best Club Coach

2

FIFA Club World Cup

2

Spanish Champion

2

UEFA SuperCup

2

Spanish Super Cup

2

The 51-year-old is the true definition of a winner, which is exactly the type of manager missing at United right now.

A reason why the Frenchman may be preferred over other managers' is simply due to the fact that his preferred system and formation is a 4-3-3, which fits the current United squad like a glove.

The most important aspect to the success of Los Blancos under Zidane was the midfield trio of Casemiro, Luka Modric, and Toni Kroos, and a midfield trio of Kobbie Mainoo, Bruno Fernandes, and a new defensive midfielder could replicate that, due to the two ball-playing eights and a destroyer behind them.

However, on top of being “tactical genius,” as called by pundit Steve McManaman, Zidane is also a brilliant man-manager who knows how to get the best out of every individual on the field, which is an aspect Ten Hag has struggled with in particular this season, with the Jadon Sancho situation rather epitomising that.

Furthermore, the mentality of not accepting anything below the supposed standard of Man United has slipped away under Ten Hag, and the hiring of Zidane would certainly put an end to that. He knows exactly what it means to be the boss at a top European club.

Despite the fact that the three-time Champions League-winning coach has been out of action since 2021, he would instantly improve the Red Devils if he were to join, at least ensuring that the foundations for success are laid out, which they currently aren’t under the Dutch boss, as shown displayed against Coventry City on Sunday.

Man Utd could turn Ten Hag signing into a "monster" by hiring Tuchel

Erik ten Hag’s position as Manchester United manager is under threat.

ByTom Lever Apr 23, 2024

West Ham United's season is fizzling out but David Moyes still has the chance to secure a fourth successive European campaign with a top-seven finish in the Premier League, albeit this is unlikely.

The eighth-place Irons are four points behind Newcastle United having played an extra match; realistically, three wins from three are needed, with tough trips to Chelsea and Manchester City forthcoming.

The uncertainty surrounding Moyes' position at the helm will linger until the campaign's conclusion, though with sporting director Tim Steidten increasingly active in the market, the soon-out-of-contract Scotsman is probably at the end of his journey in east London.

While most of the focus is on the managerial front, West Ham will need to strengthen the playing squad too and are already lining up some shrewd moves.

West Ham eyeing EFL stars

According to a recent report from The Sun, West Ham are lining up summer swoop for Coventry City star Callum O'Hare, with Hull City's Jacob Greaves also on the radar.

The Coventry midfielder has been excellent this season and is out of contract in the summer, creating a hive of activity from Premier League sides for his signature.

The 25-year-old, also pursued by Aston Villa and Fulham, would add depth and dynamism to the Hammers team, as well as boosting the homegrown quota that may take a hit at the London Stadium, with Ben Johnson and Aaron Cresswell's deals expiring in a few months.

Why West Ham are interested in Callum O'Hare

An academy graduate of Villa Park, O'Hare has gone from strength to strength after leaving for the Sky Blues in 2020, having impressed on loan with the side during the 2019/20 campaign.

In total, the versatile forward has scored 22 goals and supplied 30 assists across 180 appearances, playing a vital role in his side's efforts this year after missing the majority of the previous term with injuries, featuring only 11 times.

As per Sofascore, O'Hare has clinched six goals and three assists across 29 Championship fixtures this season, starting 17 games, completing 86% of his passes and averaging 3.3 ball recoveries, 1.2 key passes and 1.1 tackles per match.

Moreover, O'Hare ranks among the top 1% of forwards across divisions similar to the Championship over the past year for pass completion, progressive passes and tackles, the top 5% for shot-creating actions and the top 6% for progressive carries per 90, as per FBref.

Having also posted four goals and one assist in the FA Cup this season, scoring during Coventry's incredible FA Cup semi-final defeat against Manchester United, O'Hare's ability on the major stage is illustrated, proving his skill set is equipped to damage top teams in the Premier League.

Given his progressive style of play and crisp technical skills, O'Hare could even prove to be West Ham's next version of Jarrod Bowen, especially as the England international was signed from the Championship, joining from Hull in a £20m move back in January 2020.

Minutes played

120'

Goals

1

Touches

78

Accurate passes

48/57 (84%)

Shots taken

2

Key passes

2

Dribble attempts

3/6

Tackles

1

Interceptions

1

Possession lost

20x

Bowen is also a versatile attacking player with a sharp striking ability and a selfless, inverted style of play that sees him creative and supply for his teammates with regularity.

Indeed, this season Bowen has scored 20 goals and added ten assists in all competitions and has even been hailed for his "unbelievable" displays by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp in the past.

West Ham eyeing an amazing Amorim alternative who’s perfect for Bowen

This manager has reportedly rejected AC Milan as he targets a move to east London.

ByAngus Sinclair Apr 23, 2024

Bowen might be a goalscorer first and foremost but he also ranks among the top 11% of forwards across Europe's top five leagues over the past year for assists, the top 12% for progressive carries and the top 13% for tackles per 90.

Signing O'Hare on a free feels like something of a no-brainer for the Hammers, and given that he "offers that bit of stardust" – according to presenter Gabriel Sutton – it might prove to be a transfer that evokes memories of the past success in bringing Bowen to the London Stadium.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are ending their Premier League season with a whimper as they lost for the fourth time in their previous five top-flight matches.

The latest defeat looks to have ended any ambitions of securing a top-half finish during Gary O’Neil’s debut season in charge, but there have been plenty of positives.

Not only did the manager finally get the club firing in front of goal, finding the back of the net 50 times with one game to play, 19 more than last season, O’Neil has also built a solid core to his squad which he will be hoping to retain ahead of next season.

Could he be about to add to it in the coming weeks? One transfer target looks set to become available on a free transfer in a month…

What Gary O’Neil has said about Wolves' summer plans

During his pre-match press conference last week, O’Neil discussed Wolves’ current situation concerning the summer transfer window.

“I don’t think there will be money available to us if nobody leaves,” said the manager.

“If we decided not to sell a big player there may be some bits and pieces we can do. We have some players out on loan that have value and we might be able to do some bits. The club is expected – in the foreseeable future, maybe not long-term future – to be able to fund itself so we need to be able to work with that.

“Of course these things can change so I’m not committing either way, but I wouldn’t expect it to be a summer where we spend millions of the club’s own money on players.”

As such, this particular target would fit the brief perfectly.

Wolves could sign free agent from the Premier League

According to TEAMtalk, West Ham Untied have prepared a final contract offer to present to Ben Johnson with the hopes that he will remain at the club beyond this summer.

The report goes on to state that the defender looks set to snub an offer as he seeks to leave West Ham and become a free agent.

Everton, Crystal Palace, Leeds United and Rangers are all showing interest in the Englishman ahead of potentially making a move, but Wolves are a team who are also on the list.

Johnson has plenty of Premier League experience yet has failed to become a regular in the West Ham side this campaign.

That said, he could be an interesting replacement or competitor for Nelson Semedo.

Nelson Semedo’s statistics this season for Wolves

The right-back only has one year left on his current contract at Molineux, which means this summer represents the last proper chance for O’Neil to sell him in order to recoup a decent transfer fee.

The manager said he was “desperate to keep” Semedo at the Old Gold for the foreseeable last week, but moving him on while signing Johnson on a free transfer could potentially be the best thing from a financial point of view.

The defender has started 35 Premier League matches this term yet has created only two big chances while averaging just 0.7 key passes per game.

Assists

1

Key passes per game

0.7

Big chances created

2

Successful dribbles per game

1.5

Possession lost per game

14.3

Via Sofascore

He has succeeded with 1.5 dribbles per game – a success rate of 64% – but having registered just one assist in the top flight, this ability to beat his opponent out wide has certainly come in vain.

Defensively, the Portuguese defender has lost possession 14.3 times on average, while winning just 44% of his aerial duels, suggesting that helping his side when they don’t have the ball isn’t exactly his strong suit.

Semedo is a reliable option to have in the squad, but Johnson could certainly shine for Wolves if given the chance, especially judging by his statistics from his time on the pitch during the current campaign.

Why Ben Johnson could be a great signing for Wolves

The 24-year-old has been forced to play a peripheral role at West Ham during 2023/24, starting just seven matches this season in all competitions, featuring 22 times in total with David Moyes having preferred Vladimir Coufal at right-back.

Stuart Pearce dubbed Johnson “a wonderful professional to deal with and work with” back in 2021, but it is looking increasingly likely that he will be leaving the club when his current deal expires.

Despite not playing that often in the league this term, the Englishman has still managed to showcase his abilities by recovering 3.5 balls, winning 2.6 total duels and succeeding with 0.8 dribbles, all per game, all while averaging just 39 minutes per game.

Not only that, but the defender ranks highly in a few metrics when compared to his positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues.

According to FBref, Johnson currently ranks in the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.47), the top 14% for aerials won per 90 (1.47) and the top 20% for total shots per 90 (0.98) over the previous 365 days, giving glimpses of his attributes.

While Semedo ranks slightly higher for successful take-ons per 90 (1.51), the Wolves man ranks in the bottom 30% for aerial duels won per 90 (0.65) and the bottom 61% for total shots per 90 (0.54), giving Johnson the edge with regard to these performance metrics.

Much will depend on whether there is serious interest in the former Barcelona defender this summer for O’Neil to consider selling but if a decent offer comes in, it could prove to be fairly difficult to turn down, especially as it looks like he will need to move a few players out before signing anyone for a transfer fee.

Luring someone like Johnson to the Midlands would not only allow the manager to strengthen his team but to do it without splashing a single penny on a transfer fee.

Wolves hit the jackpot with a star whose value has skyrocketed 351%

Wolves have a player in their squad who is now worth five times more than when they signed him in 2021

ByRoss Kilvington May 6, 2024

A Manchester United scout was reportedly left "bewitched" by the performance of one of the club's summer transfer targets, having flown to watch him in action earlier this week.

Man Utd transfer news

The Red Devils have had such a disappointing season, having gone into the campaign as contenders to finish in the top four in the Premier League. Instead, they have rarely looked like achieving that goal, and crashed out of Europe after finishing bottom of their Champions League group.

For that reason, it is paramount that a number of new signings come in during the summer transfer window, with improvements, from their ageing defence to their goal-shy attack, needed all over the pitch.

RB Leipzig and Slovenia striker Benjamin Sesko is a reported target for United at the end of the season, having scored 14 goals in just 17 Bundesliga starts this season. He is seen as a player who could provide much-needed competition for Rasmus Hojlund in the centre of attack, especially with Anthony Martial expected to move on.

Another top target appears to be Crystal Palace maestro Michael Olise, whose quality and end product have consistently caught the eye this season – when he has been fit. Fabrizio Romano has said of the situation: "Olise remains a player who is really appreciated at Manchester United, also by people on the scouting team since one year ago."

Man Utd "bewitched" by target

According to Tuttosport (via Sport Witness) a Manchester United representative was left "bewitched" by Gleison Bremer when watching him in action for Juventus against Atalanta in the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday, as they won 1-0 thanks to a Dusan Vlahovic goal.

The individual in question "flew to Italy specifically" to watch the Brazilian in action, and the Red Devils are now "ready to get serious" with regards to a move for him. A bid of €70m (£60m) is expected to be enough to get him.

Bremer is precisely what United need this summer in terms of a dominant centre-back who is at a good age to come in and be Lisandro Martinez's long-term partner at the heart of the defence.

The 27-year-old has impressed for Juve throughout this season, averaging 4.1 clearances and 2.9 aerial duel wins per game in Serie A across 35 appearances. He has even chipped in with three goals for good measure. Meanwhile, former Brazil manager Tite once waxed lyrical over him after calling him up for international duty, saying:

"Bremer had this opportunity to be called up thanks to his career and performances of a high level at Torino and Juventus. Perhaps we got it wrong and didn’t observe him closely enough, because he deserved more of our attention a lot earlier. When he arrived here, in the games and the training sessions we did together, he gave such a sense of certainty. He really is a player of great quality."

At 27, Bremer is younger than the likes of Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Jonny Evans – the former has confirmed that he is leaving United this summer – and he arguably possesses the physical attributes to adjust to the Premier League with ease.

A journalist's sources think one £200,000-per-week star now faces an uncertain future at Chelsea, with his spot not "100 per cent safe" as we approach the summer window.

Pochettino exit confirmed as many Chelsea players could follow him

Mauricio Pochettino and Chelsea parted company by mutual consent on Tuesday evening, as reads the official statement, coming after months of speculation regarding the Argentine's future at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea ready to sell mainstay who Mauricio Pochettino loves for under £30m

He was excellent over the latter stages of 23/24.

ByEmilio Galantini May 21, 2024

It was a whirlwind first season for Pochettino, who endured the wrath of supporters for a long period following a turbulent first half of 2023/2024. However, towards the latter stages, things took a much more positive turn.

Barring their 5-0 defeat at Arsenal, Chelsea hit an excellent run of form midway through February – winning 12 out of their final 20 games in all competitions and losing just three of them. They also tasted victory in five out of their final five Premier League games, a run which saw them qualify for the Europa Conference League and end the campaign on a real high.

Chelsea 5-0 West Ham (Premier League)

Chelsea 6-0 Everton (Premier League)

Chelsea 6-1 Middlesbrough (EFL Cup)

Tottenham 1-4 Chelsea (Premier League)

Chelsea 4-0 Preston North End (FA Cup)

They were only five points off a place in the top four, which few would've predicted for them when they were languishing far behind in midtable over the winter period. However, Chelsea chiefs have now seen fit to part company with Pochettino, and the search begins for a new manager.

Chelsea are believed to have held loose talks with Thomas Tuchel as one option (Florian Plettenberg), while the likes of Thomas Frank and Vincent Kompany are thought to be admired at Stamford Bridge as well (BBC).

Whoever comes in to replace Pochettino will have to contend with potentially losing a few big name players as well, with Conor Gallagher thought to be up for sale at Chelsea despite his starring role over 23/24.

The Englishman is entering the final 12 months of his contract and there has been little progress in the way of an extension. As well as the usual suspects like Gallagher, there is now also a belief that £200,000-per-week defender Ben Chilwell isn't safe from the axe either.

Journalist thinks Chilwell could leave Chelsea

Speaking to GiveMeSport, journalist Dean Jones says people he's spoken to think Chilwell could be sold by Chelsea and faces an uncertain future, coming after his omission from Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024.

“It’s a big blow for him not to be in the England squad and he will be looked at as a big casualty for not even making the provisional side, especially as Luke Shaw made it," said Jones.

"This will now lead into a longer conversation about his club future because his spot at Chelsea is not 100 per cent safe.

“Personally I think he will stay, I think we will see him bounce back from a frustrating season and the injuries that have held him back. But there are people I speak to who are a little more doubtful about that.”

After narrowly missing out on a second consecutive European campaign, Eddie Howe’s Newcastle United side are on the lookout for reinforcements within his squad.

Deals for Tosin Adarabioyo and Lloyd Kelly appear to be nearing completion, with Howe adding two excellent centre-back options to his already impressive outfit.

Numerous outgoings are also expected at St James’ Park, as the Magpies look to offload some of the deadwood currently plying their trade on Tyneside.

Miguel Almiron has constantly been linked with a move away from the club, with the Paraguayan free to leave should the club receive a reasonable fee for hosting signature.

Should he leave, the Magpies would certainly need another body within their forward line to support the likes of Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon who have both managed to get into double figures in the Premier League this season.

However, one player has already been linked with a big-money move to St James’, but Howe’s side may face very tough competition in the battle to win the race for his signature.

Newcastle interested in signing Championship star

According to a report from the Daily Mail earlier this month, Newcastle are believed to be battling Liverpool, Chelsea and Aston Villa for the signing of Leeds United winger Crysencio Summerville.

The 22-year-old has been exceptional this season and has become a vital player for Leeds in the Championship scoring 19 goals and registering nine assists in the competition, in which they fell just short of promotion after a 1-0 defeat to Southampton at Wembley.

His tally of 28 goals and assists this campaign ranks him third in the division for most combined goal contributions, with Summerville only behind Sammie Szmodics and former Magpie Adam Armstrong in the standings.

Football Insider has more recently reported this week that Daniel Farke's side will desperately need to raise funds following their play-off final defeat, with the Dutch winger potentially available for a fee around the £40m mark this summer.

Whilst Newcastle themselves need to be cautious with their spending this summer, Summerville would be an excellent addition, and one that could follow in the footsteps of one current first-team member.

Why Newcastle must repeat Gordon masterclass

Despite playing in a lower-quality division this season, the Dutch winger has produced some excellent stats, many of which would be hugely beneficial to Howe’s side should they win the race for his services this summer.

Summerville has averaged 2.5 successful take-ons per 90 in the Championship for Farke's side, a figure that ranks him within the top 9% of all attackers in England’s second tier.

The “sensational” 22-year-old, as described by talent scout Jacek Kulig, also averaged 6.1 shot-creating actions – ranking him in the top 1% of all players in the division, demonstrating his qualities in the attacking third.

The club previously forked out a similar fee of £45m for fellow winger Gordon in 2023, with the former Everton man excelling in the Premier League this season under Howe’s guidance.

However, despite bagging 12 goals in all competitions for the Magpies in 2023/24, Summerville has blown him out of the water, scoring nine more than the England international.

Games

48

49

Goals

12

21

Assists

11

10

G+A per 90

0.47

0.63

Expected xG

10.22

16.41

The Dutchman has more goals and assists, subsequently producing more contributions per 90, with the club needing to pursue a move for the Leeds talent.

Whilst Gordon has nailed down the left-wing position, the right-hand side needs huge improvement if Howe’s side are to compete for a Champions League spot once again next season.

All of Summerville’s stats show how threatening he is in the final third, with the club desperately needing to replicate the deal for Gordon with the youngster, forking out a huge fee and giving him consistent top-flight minutes to allow him to reach his full potential.

Newcastle can repeat Guimaraes masterclass by signing £60m "top talent"

The Magpies pulled off excellent business by signing the Brazilian, they could replicate it this summer.

ByEthan Lamb May 29, 2024

The summer transfer window opens for business later this month and Leeds United may experience a lot of change within their playing squad.

Daniel Farke may have to deal with some of his top players moving on from Elland Road after the club failed to win promotion out of the Championship.

Crysencio Summerville has been linked with Premier League side Liverpool and versatile teenager Archie Gray has been linked with German giants Bayern Munich and Mikel Arteta's Arsenal.

Another player who could be on his way out of Yorkshire is central midfielder Ilia Gruev, who the club hit the jackpot on when they signed him last summer.

How much Leeds paid for Ilia Gruev

The Whites reportedly splashed out a fee in the region of £5m to sign the central midfielder from German side Werder Bremen ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

He spent the first portion of the season behind Ethan Ampadu and Glen Kamara in the pecking order but an injury to Pascal Struijk meant that the Welshman was needed at centre-back, which opened the door for Gruev to come in.

Appearances

29

Starts

20

Pass accuracy

92%

Tackles + interceptions per game

2.5

Ground duel success rate

54%

Aerial duel success rate

65%

As you can see in the table above, Gruev went on to rack up 20 starts in the regular season and showcased his quality in and out of possession, by completing a high percentage of his passes and dominating opposition players on the deck and in the air.

The Bulgaria international, who was dubbed "undroppable" by reporter James Marshment, clearly earned the trust of the manager as he also started all three of the team's play-off matches, including the final at Wembley, at the end of the season.

This shows that the Whites hit the jackpot on the pitch when they signed him from Werder Bremen as the 24-year-old maestro went on to be a crucial cog in the middle of the park for Farke.

Ilia Gruev's current market value

Leeds also struck gold with him off the pitch as the midfielder's market value has soared in the one year since his move to Elland Road last summer.

TEAMtalk recently reported that Gruev is one of the players who could move on from Yorkshire ahead of next season, as he is ready to make a move to a major European league.

They claimed that Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund are interested in a swoop to land the Bulgarian whiz and that the Whites currently value him at a fee of £15m.

This means that his market valuation has soared by £10m from £5m to £15m within the space of just one year, which shows that the club hit the jackpot when they signed him in 2023.

They could now go on to make a significant profit on the left-footed star should Dortmund, or any other team, decide to come in and meet that £15m price tag, which would represent a big financial boost for the Championship side.

Leeds held talks to land £3.4m star who could thrive with Kamara

The Whites are reportedly interested in a deal to sign the central midfielder this summer.

ByDan Emery Jun 10, 2024

Irrespective of what happens, though, Leeds struck gold with Gruev as they secured a fantastic performer in the second tier whose value, internally at least, has soared.

A £315,000-a-week star "wants to join" Manchester City, however, he’s also keen on Premier League rivals Arsenal and Liverpool.

Man City transfer rumours

Pep Guardiola recently guided City to a historic fourth Premier League title in a row, however, the 2024/25 season could be his ninth and last with the Citizens.

Reports from The Daily Mail last month revealed that the Spaniard is ‘expected to call time on a spell of unprecedented dominance at City next summer’, with his current contract set to expire in 2025.

Etihad officials appear to have been discussing the prospect of losing Guardiola behind the scenes in recent months, with Girona’s Michel talked up as one potential candidate.

Man City looking at signing "sensational" £84m star to replace De Bruyne

He could be available this summer

ByJoe Nuttall Jun 17, 2024

Despite the possibility of losing Guardiola, it looks as if he could still make a number of additions during the summer transfer window, possibly with one eye on leaving City in a strong position.

For example, contact has reportedly been made over a deal to sign RB Leipzig star Dani Olmo, who is currently impressing with Spain at Euro 2024. Another target appears to be FC Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa, who has been linked with a move to Manchester to potentially replace Ederson and rival Stefan Ortega.

Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich has also been linked with a move to England and City in 2024, and there has now been a new update on the versatile German, one that could encourage Etihad chiefs.

Joshua Kimmich transfer update – Sky Sports

Taking to X, Sky Sports reporter Florian Plettenberg revealed that Kimmich could leave Bayern Munich this summer, with new manager Vincent Kompany not having the versatile star in his midfield plans.

A split between Bayern and Kimmich, who is out of contract next summer, is “getting closer”, and it is added that the German “wants to join Man City, Liverpool, Arsenal, Real Madrid or Barcelona”.

Kimmich and Guardiola previously worked together at the Allianz Arena, with the 29-year-old coming in for plenty of praise from the Man City boss. Back in 2016, Guardiola said after Kimmich played at centre-back against Borussia Dortmund: “I told him that he's perhaps one of the best centre-backs in the world. I love this boy.

“Joshua Kimmich turned in a great display. We have a very good defender who’s strong in the build-up play. I like to work with players who are eager to learn. He's got the desire, the will, the passion. He's got absolutely everything.”

Since then, Kimmich, on £315,000-a-week, has also been dubbed a "mentality monster" by ex-boss Hansi Flick, whereas another iconic manager, Jose Mourinho, called him “an absolutely phenomenal player” last year.

"I see him as a top right-back, left-back, centre-back, No.6, No.8, No.10… he has the qualities to be anything! I think he looks to me, very intelligent related to football, very intelligent, understands the moments of the games and understands the difference between positions and understands what he has to do here and what he has to do there. I think he’s phenomenal, an absolutely phenomenal player."

It looks as if a move to England, potentially the Etihad Stadium to reunite with Guardiola, could be one to watch over the summer.

Celtic could be in the market to add a new centre-forward to their squad during the summer transfer window, which officially opened for business last week.

Firstly, Hyeon-gyu Oh has reportedly been the subject of a £4m bid from Belgian giants Genk and could move on from Parkhead after being the third-choice number nine during the second half of last season.

The South Korea international found himself struggling for minutes as Brendan Rodgers preferred Kyogo Furuhashi and Adam Idah ahead of him in the pecking order.

Football Insider have also reported that the Hoops would be willing to cash in on Kyogo if an offer of around £25m lands on the table this summer.

Amid speculation that the club's only two senior centre-forward options could be on their way out of Glasgow, the Bhoys are said to be keen on a permanent deal to bring Idah back to Paradise after his loan spell from Norwich City earlier this year.

The Scottish giants have now been linked with another striker who could come in to add more firepower to the squad and thrive alongside attacking midfielder Matt O'Riley.

Celtic's eyeing up in-demand marksman

According to Portuguese outlet O Jogo (18/06/24), as relayed by Sport Witness, the Hoops are one of a number of teams interested in a deal to sign Panathinaikos centre-forward Fotis Ioannidis this summer.

The report claims that the Bhoys are in contention to snap up the Greek international to compete for the starting number nine role at Parkhead next season.

It states that the Scottish Premiership champions are 'serious' competition to the other teams keen on a move to land the impressive marksman over the coming weeks.

O Jogo adds that Girona, Lazio, Sevilla, Ipswich Town, Sporting, and Lille are all also in the race to sign Ioannidis, which illustrates how tough it will be for Rodgers to get a deal over the line for him.

The report also reveals that Panathiniakos are hoping to rake in a fee of up to €30m (£25m) for their star finisher and that Sporting were willing to offer €20m (£16.8m) to take him to Portugal.

Celtic's current club-record signing stands at the £9m they spent to sign Odsonne Edouard from PSG in the summer of 2018, which makes a £25m swoop for the Greek dynamo seem unlikely.

However, if no teams are prepared to meet the £25m valuation then the Super League side could be forced to lower it, which could bring the Bhoys back into the picture from a financial perspective.

If they can somehow work out a way to bring him to Parkhead then he would be a dream player for O'Riley to play alongside in the 2024/25 campaign.

Why Matt O'Riley is a striker's dream

Firstly, the Hoops must ensure that they can keep hold of the Denmark international before the window slams shut amid interest from elsewhere.

Atletico Madrid are reportedly keen on a deal to add the central midfielder to Diego Simeone's squad and have been told that it will cost them €40m (£33m) to secure his services, but they are only willing to offer €20m (£15.8m) at this moment in time.

It is not difficult to understand why Celtic value him so highly after the incredible season he had in the Premiership last term under Rodgers' management.

The Danish wizard proved himself to be a striker's dream due to both his ability to consistently finish chances, as well as his constant stream of creativity in the middle of the park.

He had only produced three goals in 38 league games in Ange Postecoglou's final year at Parkhead and Rodgers' arrival in 2023 helped to unlock his goalscoring potential.

Sofascore rating

7.91

1st

Goals

18

1st

Assists

13

1st

Big chances created

14

1st

Key passes per game

2.5

1st

As you can see in the table above, the 23-year-old wizard led the squad in a host of key attacking metrics, including goals scored, assists provided, and 'big chances' created.

These statistics show that the left-footed maestro would be a dream for a striker due to his fantastic ability to consistently unlock opposition defences to create chances for his teammates, which could provide the attacker with ample opportunities to find the back of the net.

Why Celtic should sign Fotis Ioannidis

Ioannidis would also be a dream for O'Riley as he is an efficient finisher who can make the most of the chances that the midfielder creates, whilst also being a centre-forward who can create for others.

The 24-year-old marksman, who was described as "complete" by analyst Ben Mattinson, registered seven assists and created eight 'big chances' in 27 Super League appearances last term.

No Celtic striker managed as many assists or 'big chances' created in the Premiership, which suggests that more high-quality opportunities could be created for O'Riley to add even more goals to his game next term if the Greek ace is leading the line for Celtic.

Alongside his creative skills, Ioannidis is also a ruthless finisher who has the potential to be far more effective in front of goal than Kyogo for the Hoops.

Appearances

27

38

Goals

15

14

Minutes per goal

137

179

Big chances created

9

24

Conversion rate

19%

14%

As you can see in the table above, the Panathinaikos titan significantly outperformed the Japan international with his quality as a finisher at league level.

Despite playing 11 fewer games, the £25m-rated star scored more goals, missed a staggering 15 fewer 'big chances' and found the back of the net more frequently in relation to minutes played.

This suggests that he would be a dream for O'Riley in the final third as the Danish magician, who created 14 'big chances' in the Premiership last season, could benefit from the striker's fantastic finishing as it could boost his assist tally.

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ByDan Emery Jun 15, 2024

Overall, the statistics indicate that the former MK Dons maestro and Ioannidis could form a lethal partnership at Parkhead moving forward if Celtic can keep one and sign the other before the window slams shut, due to their respective quality as scorers and creators of goals.